video music awards

Sam Smith Enjoyed the V.M.A.s More Than Anyone

If your mother was watching the V.M.A.s last night, you no doubt received a barrage of text messages following Sam Smith’s performance in which she professed her newfound love for him (“can u get his song on my computer please?!?!??”). Yes, alongside a groovingBlue Ivy Carter, Nicki Minaj’stroublemaker of a black dress, and the homeless teen who accepted Miley Cyrus’s award on her behalf, Smith—though he did not win in either of the two categories in which he was nominated last night—appeared to be a clear winner in many other ways.

Firstly, his performance (of his ubiquitous summer single “Stay with Me”) managed to captivate the entire arena in a way that many of the other slighter numbers did not.

He seemed to have a ball in the audience, proving himself to be a friend to pop stars of all stripes. He sat between Katy Perry and Cyrus, which cannot be a stress-free assignment, given we imagine both women would require ample attention from any given awards-show neighbor. But Smith seemed to navigate this challenge smoothly, catering to both stars admirably.

Smith also managed to align himself with both sides of one of the most-scrutinzed friendships (or “frenemy-ships,” who’s to say), that of Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian.

Kardashian introduced Smith’s performance, in which she made a point of referring to the 22-year-old Brit as her “friend.” And based on Smith’s Instagrams later in the evening—one with Kim captioned “So good to see you again beautiful,” and another with Kim, Kendall, and Kylie captioned “Love these girls x”—it appears they are indeed buds.

And then Smith also posted a picture of himself with Beyoncé—this one without a caption, which makes sense (what caption could someone possibly add to a photo of themselves with Beyoncé?!?).

One lingering mystery: How did Smith and his fellow “I'm friends with everyone!” celebrity Taylor Swift not manage to find each other and take at least one Instagram shot together last night?